Being an American from England Speaking French in Italy

No joke.

Christina was speaking french (minimal) to the local Italians 

while she visited this weekend.

It was like having a sneak preview of what it will be like when my dad comes.

Always unsure of what will come out of his mouth to compensate for not knowing the local language.

Love you dad :)

Christina was my first visitor since I've been here in Italy.

It was so great to see a familiar face,

especially one I love so dearly.

Boy did we do pack our weekend full.

Thursday:

Pisa for the day!

Gianna joined us for some adventuring.

We explored the streets.

Gianna and I swing danced to a live folk band.

We ate pizza. Obviously.

Two a day gelato. Duh.

Friday:

Pino's sandwiches. The best.

The leather market. I found my bag. It was love at first sight.

We had lunch on top of the tallest building in Piazza Republica.

Perfect view of the Duomo.

Dinner with my dear friend Cara.

Sat on Santa Croce steps with the crew.

Saturday:

Stroll through the morning market to get ingridients for a lasagna dinner.

Bike tour of Chianti!

We had the most wonderful guides, 

and our fellow bikers became family.

After the tour we all went out to gelato!

Christina and I relaxed and made lasagna,

and decided against better judgement to stay up for the secret bakery.

We wandered around Florence until 1am and unfortunately,

the secret bakery we went to was closed.

Our beds never sounded so good after that haha.

Sunday:

We woke up early and climbed the belltower.

Such an incredible view of the duomo.

Next, off to church!

Incredible worship, incredible sermon (I'm picking up more of the Italian),

and best of all, incredible people.

Christina was able to meet my bible study leaders, the pastor and his wife, and bible study friends.

Fiesole (out in the countryside with an incredible view of Florence) 

for the afternoon.

Met up with Marian and her sister.

I got my care package from home!

Peanut butter, sunflower seeds, thumb drive, sunscreen, 

shoe inserts, ziplocs.

I would have never guessed those would be my main needs 4 months ago lol.

We had a nice steak dinner at 10:30pm.

We got a little cocky and didn't make a reservation.

Oops.

Our tummies were more than satisfied as we fell asleep that night.

Overall it was such an absolute blessing to be visited in Italy for an entire weekend by this woman. There is never a dull moment with this gem and we didn't waste a single second. She's back in England and I will continue praying for her family's adjustment to life there, and that the Lord puts encouraging people in their lives, opens their eyes to see the blessing he has provided them in England, and that he gives them direction in where he wants to use them in reaching people with the gospel.